Left Coast Brewing Company (commonly mis-typed, at least by me, as West Coast Brewing Company) can be found surfside in San Clemente, California, where it’s been putting out craft beers since 2004. Recently expanding into Northern California, it’s definitively a brewery to watch.

In honor of its expansion, we checked out three of the brewery’s most common varieties. All were sampled from cans.

Left Coast Brewing Una Mas Amber Lager – A fairly typical, straightforward amber brew, this beer offers toasty malt, a well-roasted nutty character, and just a hint of coffee bean. It all adds up to a classic structure, though be warned that it’s a bit stronger in alcohol than the playful name might indicate. 5.8% abv. B+ / $9 per six-pack

Left Coast Brewing Trestles IPA – A somewhat doughy and unfocused IPA, initially strong with hops and some citrus, but quickly fading into a less distinct bitterness. Approachable enough as an everyday brew, but nothing really stands out here. And truthfully, the name — Trestles — is not a major plus. 6.8% abv. B / $10 per six-pack

Left Coast Brewing Hop Juice Triple IPA – This is a big, gooey, almost syrupy IPA loaded with resinous notes, though the more typical flavors of citrus and even pine needles are elusive. In their stead, the gummy brew offers some malt-driven sweetness — though the finish is all straight-up hops. 10% abv. B / $11 per six-pack